Honoring Brian Wheeler: A Legacy of Friendship, Broadcasting, and Sports
RUNDOWN This episode of Mitch Unfiltered honors the late Brian Wheeler, the iconic voice of the Portland Trail Blazers, reflecting on his humor, kindness, and profound influence on Mitch's career. We dive into the Seahawks' electrifying 20-17 victory over the 49ers with insights from the Seahawks’ No-Table featuring Brady Henderson and Jacson Bevens. Geno Smith’s game-winning drive, breakout performances from Jackson Smith-Njigba and Devin Witherspoon, and the team’s playoff hopes take center stage. Mitch and Rick Neuheisel analyze college football’s biggest headlines, including Georgia's playoff dominance, Oregon’s title potential, and standout players like Omarion Hampton and Jalon Daniels. Plus, they explore the transfer portal’s growing impact on rising talent. Jason D. Hamilton returns to discuss college basketball, focusing on UW’s new coach Danny Sprinkle, the team’s defensive promise, top recruits like Zoom Diallo, and the Big Ten’s competitive landscape. Also, Mitch and Hotshot unpack the Tyson vs. Jake Paul spectacle—yes, it’s as strange as it sounds. GUESTS • Seahawks No-Table | Brady Henderson (ESPN Seahawks Insider) & Jacson Bevens (Cigar Thoughts) • Rick Neuheisel | CBS College Analyst • Jason Hamilton | BIG TEN Announcer TABLE OF CONTENTS 1:45 | Heartfelt Tribute to Brian Wheeler, Sports Highlights, and Nostalgic Stories 25:00 | Mitch announces; BEAT THE BOYS password 28:20 | Seahawks' Heroics, Huskies' Bowl Berth, and the Tyson-Paul Spectacle 44:31 | GUEST: Seahawks No-Table: Brady Henderson (ESPN.com Seahawks insider), Jacson Bevens (Cigar Thoughts) - The crew discusses the Seattle Seahawks' thrilling 20-17 win over the 49ers, highlighting Geno Smith's game-winning drive, standout performances by Devin Witherspoon and Jackson Smith-Njigba, and the defense's resilience. 1:04:34 | GUEST: Rick Neuheisel - CBS College Football Analyst - talks coaching changes, playoff predictions, standout players, conference races, and transfer portal buzz. 1:24:09 | GUEST: Jason Hamilton - BIG TEN Announcer - shares insights on college basketball, the Huskies' new coach, Big Ten dynamics, and his commentator journey, blending analysis with humor and personal anecdotes. 1:29:57 | Other Stuff Segment: • Greg Olson’s unique hair • KJ Wright Coaching for the 49ers • 1995 Mariners and Brian Wheeler Story • Aaron Goldsmith's Increased Role with the Mariners • Russell Wilson's Resurgence • The Overexposure of the Kelci Brothers • Russell Okung’s Bitcoin Investment • Bizarre Insurance Fraud with Bear Costumes • "Inside the NBA" on ESPN • RIPs: Dolly Parton's brother David, Tony Todd (actor, known for *Candyman*), Quincy Jones (legendary music producer and Seattle native), Béla Károlyi (gymnastics coach of Nadia Comăneci and Mary Lou Retton), Jack Jones (singer, famous for "The Love Boat" theme).• Headlines and Quirky News: Escaping emus and monkeys. Rats driving tiny cars. A toddler urinating on a family meal, considered culturally significant in China. A smuggler caught with tarantulas strapped to their body. A woman discovering a medical needle left in her body for 18 years post-childbirth. • Tribute to Brian Wheeler: Emotional reflections on the late broadcaster and his impact on Mitch’s career.